New disability housing in Bundaberg opens its doors

An innovative and accessible unit complex for people with disability, who have aging parents, has officially opened its doors in Bundaberg today.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the complex in Svensson Heights, built by the Endeavour Foundation, was a great example of how government and non-government partnerships could achieve greater value for the community.

“Part of the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Initiative (EPCII), this five-unit complex has three fully accessible units that can accommodate people with disability,” Minister O’Rourke said.

“The other two units will be rented on the open market and will generate revenue to help offset the costs of support services for our clients here.

“This combination of private rental and supported accommodation is a win-win for everyone involved, and a wonderful example of what can be achieved through partnerships and collaboration for the benefit of Queenslanders.”

The Queensland Government provided close to $1 million towards this facility, with a further $280,000 contribution from the Endeavour Foundation.

Endeavour Foundation’s Acting CEO Gail Davidson said one of the biggest issues faced by elderly parents of people with disability was what happens to their children when they can no longer care for them.

“Ageing carers in Bundaberg want their loved ones to have a safe, secure place to live and this innovative project will provide certainty for the future of their family member,” Ms Davidson said.

“These “smart homes” have built-in assistive technologies, so that the people with a disability gain greater independence and it’s the type of accommodation that we want to continue building in Queensland.

A spare room has also been built within the complex so that a family member or support person can be on site, while people develop the skills and confidence to transition from the family home to independent living in their own space.

“Through these innovative homes, Endeavour Foundation is pleased to be working with the State Government to promote inclusion for people with a disability, by making some of the units available to some of the wider community to rent,” Ms Davidson said.

“This will open up opportunities for greater integration for people with a disability to live connected lives within the community.”

Endeavour Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organisation supporting more than 3,300 people with a disability from more than 230 locations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. These include accommodation, employment, education, training, vocational and lifestyle opportunities.